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The Arthropod Fossil Record: Biologic and Taphonomic Controls on its Composition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 July 2017

Donald G. Mikulic
Donald G. Mikulic*
Affiliation:
Illinois State Geological Survey, 615 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820, U.S.A.
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Extract

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of arthropods in the history of life. In terms of diversity and abundance, modern arthropods embody the ultimate success of the metazoa. Their prominence stems from an innovative, durable body plan, allowing mobility and adaptability for almost any environment in the earth's biosphere. Arthropods have been able to exploit an enormous range of lifestyles, becoming a conspicuous biotic component of many marine and terrestrial settings.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Short Courses in Paleontology , Volume 3: Arthropod Paleobiology , 1990 , pp. 1 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 Paleontological Society 

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